THE DEATH OF AMY WINEHOUSE VERY SAD

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THE WEB GOSSIP
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Amy Winehouse

AMY WINEHOUSE R.I.P --- When I first heard the news of Amy Winehouse's passing early Saturday morning, I can't say I was all that shocked, though the news was certainly a jolt. Even her mother was quoted as saying last week, that her daughter's death was "only a matter of time." There's certainly no need to re-tell her sordid story of the Grammy-award winner, but rather, just recognize and reflect on what a tremendous body of work she produced -2 albums- the second, with producer Mark Ronson: 2006's Back To Black (nominated for 6 Grammy's; it won 5) . It was, in almost every way, just a striking album; from the subtle and spot-on production which harked back to such influences as early-Motown, as well as singers Billie Holiday and Etta James. Black was an amazing album in ever way highlighted by the tracks "Rehab," "You Know I'm No Good," "Wake Up Alone" and, my favorite, the title track. The hint of gospel fused with early R&B that permeated the record was pretty awe inspiring too. If you were a music junkie ... this album was built for you! The album hit the U.S. charts amid a flurry of accolades, radio and TV buzz; somewhat unprecedented in years for a female singer. And, she was the first of a series of female singers, including Duffy, Adele, Natasha Bedingfield, and Jazzy J. The Daily News branded the singer, "a marvelous debut that would do Etta James proud"; while New York Magazine called her "a fierce English performer whose voice combines the smoky depths of a jazz chanteuse with the heated passion of a soul singer." Spin said, "there's never been a British star quite like her." Maybe her troubled personal life was what made her music so passionate? If you never treated yourself to her work, maybe now's the right time. She was, tremendous in every way.


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Micky Dolenz

MICKY MICKY MICKY --- After seven weeks touring with mates Davy Jones and Peter Tork (as part of The Monkees 45th Anniversary Tour) Micky Dolenz (the lead singer of the group) officially began his solo tour this past Friday evening at Tanner Park in Copiague, New York. With a stellar five-piece band, featuring guitarist Wayne Avers, and his sister Coco on vocals; Dolenz powerfully worked his way through 22 songs; including what I thought was the standout of the set, the awesome Tommy Boyce/Bobby Hart song “She.” I loved the track when I first heard it via The Monkees, but Dolenz's voice was hypnotically powerful as he worked his way through the song. There's a rather dramatic time-change during the song, the chorus as it were, and Dolenz handles it spot-on perfectly. As I've listened to him throughout the years, his voice has developed most impressively -probably of all the musical theater he has done: Pippin'; Aida; Hairspray. Several critics have said over the years that he possesses one of the best voices in rock and roll. Let's say it now for the record; it is true! As chillingly poignant as Roy Orbison; as real as Tom Petty; and, as perfect as Paul McCartney. It is a force of nature. We also loved “Sometime In The Morning,” and “Crying In The Rain,” from his somewhat-overlooked album of last year called King For A Day. That album had the artist singing 13 songs from Carole King; a splendid outing in every way and featured a terrific production from Jeffrey Foskett. The album was on Gigatone Records and sadly, didn't get the mass-marketing and promotion it certainly deserved. It remains, however, a classic album. We also loved his take on The Beatles' “Oh Darling.” Hearing him perform it, you immediately realize what a terrific song it is and remains. It is a vocal tour de force for him. Coco's take on Michael Nesmith's “Different Drum,” which Linda Ronstadt had a huge him with, was terrific, as was her take on The Jefferson Airplane's “White Rabbit.” Again, hearing that song just conjures up the wildest memories. Hey, it was from 1967 after all! According to Micky, Coco sang on several of the early Monkee-records, so her voice is a familiar and welcomed presence for sure. She's has a strong, dramatic voice; certainly worthy of her own album. An idea ... perhaps? He ended the show with "Listen To The Band" and, of course, "I'm A Believer." With a dozen or so solo shows in the next several months, this is a show to caught for sure. He's one of the best ... and, has been for years!


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BYE BYE BORDERS --- Another one bites the dust? Borders last week began the painful process of closing some 399 stores nationwide; where they has some 10,7000 workers. Their final day of business will be September 30. Everyone knew that the nation's No. 2 bookseller, after Barnes & Noble, was struggling financially, but, few were prepared for the news of the permanent closing. Borders' explosive growth and expansion pioneered the growth of book and music superstores, and its rocky decline might just send a signal that bookstores can no longer be viable, or profitable. Here in NYC, in the last several years, we lost Virgin, Tower, and FYE. Growing up, record stores, especially on Tuesday when the new releases came in, were a must-go to destination. Anyone recall Sam Goody's? These days, it seems that albums, or CDs, are only available online. Sign of the times? Definitely. I had a Borders right near me at the Time-Warner Center and I must say, their selection of both books and CDs were tremendous. It'll be a big loss. In our current recession ... anything can happen ... even this. Very sad!


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The Singhs

WHERE BE THE SINGHS? --- We absolutely loved the album Supersaturated by The Singhs, from Boston, headed by the wonderful Miki Singh. But, that was in 2008. They did series of shows in NYC, several which we were taken to by their NY-press man, the Pasha David Salidor ... but, what's happened since then? We heard during some of their shows, that they were recording a new album -now to be titled Science Fiction- produced by the fabulous Tony Visconti, but, nothing since. This band is simply sensational; weaving different styles and textures of music to a winning formula. They were rock; they were pop ... but, consistently producing some of the best and most original music we've ever heard. On Supersautrated we absolutely came to love the songs "Beautiful Thing, " "Tina," "The Dance" and the title track. Just a wonderful blend of terrific influences. Their guitarist Peter Parcek is just sensational and through several conversations with him, we found him to be a wonderfully inventive one as well. We managed to snare a copy of their 2003 release The Edge of the World and found it as brilliant and inventive as their last one ... really brilliant. We asked Salidor what was up and he hinted at a change in management for the band. He also said that he hoped this new album would be out soon, as he's had requests for the band from several TV shows as well as club owners. To be candid: they should be much, much bigger ... so, maybe management is indeed the key. Mark our words here: The band will be huge!!!


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Jeremy Piven

ENTOURAGE END --- We've waited for months for the season debut of HBO's Entourage ... and, last night was it. The first show of their final season (it debuted in July 18 in 2004). For this episode, Home Sweet Home, I don't know why, but we found it to be a rather poor parody of all their other seasons. I don't know if it was just the first one; establishing the new season and all, but, it just did not work. The basic plot line was Vince leaving re-hab and how his brother Johnny wanted all the possibly-illegal substances removed from him home ... which burnt down at the close. Weird. Seems like it was a retread. Thank God for Jeremy Piven as renegade agent Ari Gold, as he single-handily delivered THE poignant scene of the opener. His character's wife, who he has been separated from, finally tells him she's been seeing someone else. He is devastated .. and, without uttering one word, he is successfully able to portray the hurt and betrayal. Maybe one of the best scenes in this show in the last 5 years. I don't know; but, I hope creator Doug Ellin pulls it out ... I think he will. I'll watch next week and all the others, but, last night, it didn't work for me!


Photos By: Rd/Orchon/Sara De Boer/Retna